- £2.5 Million Donated to Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust since 2021 -
- £20 Million Invested in Morrisons Colleague Apprenticeships since 2017 -
Morrisons has now reached a key milestone in its support for Yorkshire Ambulance Service, donating over £2.5 million to the Trust since 2021. Originally pledging £2.1 million through the West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Service, Morrisons has exceeded this target, providing critical funding that has enabled over 200 blue-light workers, including paramedics, to complete their training and deliver vital services across the region.
Among those benefiting from this initiative is Michelle Lee, a former Morrisons colleague whose career path took a life-changing turn after completing a first aid course while working in-store. Inspired to pursue a career in the emergency services, Michelle is now a fully qualified paramedic thanks to the Yorkshire Ambulance Service apprenticeship scheme funded by Morrisons.
Clare Grainger, Group People and Corporate Services Director at Morrisons, said: "We’re incredibly proud of reaching this milestone. Training and development are fundamental not just for our own business, but for the wider community. By investing in our colleagues and supporting vital sectors like healthcare and education, we’re helping to train future leaders and equip people with the skills they need for essential professions. It’s an honour to play a part in their journeys.”
Kim Walsh, Apprenticeship Manager at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS trust, said: “We are very proud of our apprenticeship programmes and career development pathway. This generous support from Morrisons is very much appreciated, and their levy transfer is hugely beneficial in allowing us to support more staff members onto our apprenticeship programmes that aid their career progression and develop them into vital frontline roles.”
Michelle Lee added: "Thanks to Morrisons support, I was able to pursue my dream of becoming a paramedic. The apprenticeship funding made a real difference, allowing me to gain the skills and training I needed to make a meaningful contribution to my community. I’m so grateful for this opportunity.”
Since the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy, Morrisons has invested over £20 million in its own colleague apprenticeships. This investment has supported training and career development across stores and sites, including roles in butchery, bakery, and central business functions. The initiative is part of Morrisons ongoing commitment to building skills and supporting the next generation of leaders in the business.
Morrisons is also working in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, pledging £1 million of apprenticeship funding to help other local businesses and public sector organisations to help develop their workforces. This is an important part of Morrisons commitment to the region and is aimed at strengthening the local workforce and supporting the community.
For more information on Morrisons apprenticeship schemes, please visit - https://www.morrisons.jobs/early-careers/apprentices
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